Positioned near Morogoro and south of the famed Selous Game Reserve, Tanzania’s Mikumi National Park is an unmissable destination for wildlife enthusiasts. As the fourth-largest national park in the country and the nearest to Dar es Salaam, Mikumi offers a convenient yet immersive safari experience.
Established initially as a game reserve in 1964, Mikumi has evolved into a spectacular national park, nestled between the Uluguru and Udzungwa mountains. Spanning an impressive 3,230 square kilometers, it’s often referred to as ‘Little Serengeti’ for its similar landscape features and is bordered by a village of the same name.
The park’s diverse landscape includes Savannah plains, Acacia trees, majestic Baobabs, Tamarinds, and Palms. It’s a haven for wildlife, with species like elephants, impalas, elands, zebras, greater kudus, wildebeests, buffaloes, and sable antelopes thriving in its Savannah. Bird watchers can delight in spotting the lilac-breasted roller, bateleur eagle, and yellow-throated longclaw, among others.
The ideal time to visit the National Park is during the dry season from June to October. During these months, the vegetation thins, making wildlife easier to spot, especially around the Mkata River, a vital water source in the park. This period also marks the peak of tourist activity, offering vibrant safari experiences.